So, even though this is a "familyish" sedan, it looks like there are loads of mods to be done (if desired).

I am thinking of tinted windows and some real xeon headlamps. From what I can tell, knowone has done the xeons yet, but I was curious if anyone has done tints, and also what other mods have been done?

Oh yea! This car already has good bones, and would dress up nicely.

I like my mods functional, so the lamps would be a natural. I gotta confess though that my fondest dream is a carbon fiber hood and deck lid. It would look OK, but the best part is that it should save ~100#.

I haven't yet done tinting, but it's on my list of things to do. I've already modded my grille with a billet-style. I'm thinking of getting the black-backed headlights as well. I don't care about getting xenon to be honest, but I think the black backing will look great on my ebony black Sonata.

I'm also debating going with full-chrome wheels or with a black&chrome set.

Then, of course, there are the interior changes I want to make...getting a navi system or maybe building my own.

You probably already know this, but Eclipse has some head units with NAV systems in them. That way you don't have to do a huge modding thing, just a cd player install.

PrCrutchfield Eclipseetty cool stuff.

If you were to replace your stock head unit with the Eclipse, would it be impossible to run your steering wheel controls to it? Also, how would it work with the factory inputs?

I also was wondering if the Nav system was DVD-based, or how exactly it's designed, updated, etc.

I'm new to Nav so if these questions are particularly idiotic, please don't shoot me.

I tinted my windows almost right away upon getting my new Sonata.
Paid $160 for the installation and it was the best money I've ever spent on my car.

Immediate benefits were privacy from inside, stylish look outside that really improved on the overall impression of the car and no more 'deer in the headlights' feeling when large truck tailgates you on the highway after dark.

I got used to get compliments from the people about my new car but now they seem to compliment windows more then the car itself :).
"Gosh what a nice car you have. I like those windows"

I also expect longer upholstery life due to the significant cut off of UV lights and better cooling during the hot summer days. I miss summer.

Cheers,

Netscorer.

This post has been edited by netscorer: Mar 13 2006, 11:59 PM

Hey I'm thinking of getting Tints myself..How dark did you get them "NetScorer"? Here in MASS I think 35% is legal or something like that.

The sonata says it has something like solor windows or something like that...I'm not sure what that does? anyone notices?


Thanks

Got my car tinted a week after it came home. Went with the legal limit (35% in MD) and it doesn't look dark enough, especially compared to the Tib which is also 35%. But the Tib has significantly less window area and a black interior and you can't get a dark interior on the Sonata (grrrrr). But I got the job done for $100 with a lifetime warranty so I'm not complaining.

No other mods are planned for this car, it's great right out of the box.

A wicked hood scoop, and side pipes!!!! Then I'll paint a "02" on the doors, because 01 is already taken. I've already added the fuzzy dice and dingle balls. :w00t:

Rear glass and back passenger windows at 35%
Front passenger windows at 20% (maximum allowed in CT)

Sonata comes with front-windows tempered for the reduced UV penetration. You can notice that your windows have slightly greenish colour when looked from an angle. This is mostly a marketing trick IMHO then a useful tint, as your car still gets very hot very quick in the direct sun.

There is no restriction in Connecticut on how dark you can tint your rear windows but 35% worked great for me. It is dark enough that noone can see inside your car unless you either have dome lights on or person stands very close to the car.

Couple of general advices:
- Go with the highest quality film you can find. Don't cheapen here. It will last you longer and will not fade and discolour after couple of years.
- Make sure that you tint no darker then allowed by your state laws. Some dealers would be willing to tint it as dark as you want but they are not the ones who would pay the fine when the police stops you.
- Be aware that if you tint your rear glass too dark you may have trouble backing up at night as visibility would be extremely reduced.
- Find a private shop (not a chain) that specializes on glass tint installation. Ask what type of film they use.
- Ask for a lifetime guarantee for the tint film and the worksmanship. This separates shady businesses from the honest ones.
- Make sure that the film is of the type that does not interfere with the in-glass antenna.
- Ask if they tint windows to the very upper edge.
- If you have pets who ride along with you in the car, ask for the tint film that is
scratch-resistant.

Cheers,

netscorer.

This post has been edited by netscorer: Mar 16 2006, 07:46 PM

I recommend the easiest mods first.

We've got to get rid of the dealer logo, and the 'Sonota' and 'Model' depending on your taste. I would just leave the 'H'...

Then you've got those unsightly ORANGE bulbs in the tails that must go. I would replace them with these LINK and maybe do so in the front as well. These bulbs are silver but they blink orange.

Also, I would try and find a way to make the front head light totally clear. So I would find a way to remove the orange reflectors in the front.

Next I would remove the front license plate frame. You can get pulled over for it, but I do it anyway. They always let me go with a warning once they see I'm not a thug.


After that would be the stereo, body kit, and low key wheels.

Getting pulled over isn't a hassle? I don't see why people would give a policeman any excuse to stop me and check me out, regardless of the fact that I'm not doing anything wrong and have nothing to hide. Last thing I want is to have everyone on a busy street driving by me while I'm having a conversation with a law enforcement officer, even though nothing bad is going to come out of it.

But that's just me.

If you want to check out mods go to:

http://www.gostudie.com


This post has been edited by scoobydo: Mar 17 2006, 07:17 PM

Mine came tinted right from day 1. It was a demo before I got it. I'm not too sure how dark it is but I can say that it is not too dark. I like it though over the job I had on another car. It hd very dark in the rear and lighter on the passenger windows.


I hated this tint job for the reason mentioned above. I could almost never see out at night. This new tint job is very descrete and while yes you can see in durng the day it is harder at night.

FYI all my windows have the exact same level of tinting.

Good call on this one steveramz!! I didn't even know Philips made these. I have their CrystalVision bulbs up front. I can't seem to find a seller in the US though. Know of anyone?

Thanks!

-N- :thumbsup:

Mods? How about some new boots? The stock wheels actually look really quite nice but here in Korea, everbody has them and there are A LOT of Sonatas on the road. Has anyone put on new wheels/tires, and if so, what did you go with? Has anyone gone with 18s and do they make the ride horrible?

I've seen the Studie cars with Enkei 18" wheels similar to those on my Saab 92x, they looked pretty good.

tirerack.com even has an option for a 19x8 that will hold a 245/40-19. That is a monsterous tyre. I would imagine that at a 40 series tyre the ride would start getting a bit rough.